Vapor electric discharge device



2 Sheeis-Sheet 1 Filed July 16, 1936 nnunu Inventor b7/' His ttorney.

L. TONKS VAPOR ELECTRIC DISCHARGE DEVICE Aug. 30, 1938.

Filed July 16, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor.

Lewi Tonks 10H Ma 5W.

Attor neq Patented Aug. 30, 1938 Lewi Tonk s. Schenectady, N. Y,, assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application July 16; 1936, Serial No. 90,867 clai s. (o1. 250-4275 The-present invention relates to vapor electric discharge devices, and more particularly toimprovements in means for stabilizing the cathode spot in such devices. Y

-It is desirable in pool-type rectifiers and inverterst'o prevent the cathode spot from wandering at random over thesurface of the pool since the splashing of the pool material and. other effects" associated with such wandering increase the probability of arc-back and raise the minimum ofcurrent required. to maintain an arc discharge. Y

-One of the objects of the present invention isto provide inconnection with a pool-type discharge device means for anchoring the cathode spot to a particular location, which location shall have no tendency to vary in any direction re: gardless of changes in the level of the cathode pool.

It is afurther object of the invention to provide in connection with a spot-stabilizing body means forassuring a continuous supply of cathode "material to the active surface of the body.

A further object consists in the provision of a spot anchor of such nature that the-minimum o f-current required to maintain the discharge are may be reduced to a very low value, while at the same time rapid increases in ourrestwill not cause the cathode spot to be released.

A still further object consists in the provision of a novel substance, suitable for uses such as those outlined above, which substance may be impregnated with mercury and which when once impregnated will retain its wetness and other useful properties for a relatively unlimited period under varying condition of use.

The features of novelty which I desire to protect herein are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. however, together with further objects and ad- 1 vantages thereof will best be understood by reference to. the following specification taken in connection with the drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows schematically a discharge device suitably embodying my invention and an associated control circuit therefor; Fig. 2 shows in enlarged detail a spot-anchoring body constructed in accordance with my invention; Fig 3 corresponds to a microscopically enlarged fragmentary section of the body illustrated in Fig. 2; Fig. '4 shows an alternative modification of the invention; Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view of the spotanchoring means of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 represents a vertical section of a spot-anchoring device constructed in accordance with the invention in The invention itself,

combination with means for positively supplying cathode material thereto; Fig. '7 shows a horiz'ontal section taken on line 11 of Fig. 6; Figs. 8 and 9' comprise respectively horizontal and vertical'sections of an alternative form of spotfixing device to be employed in the cathode structure of Fig. 6, and Fig. lo'illustrates schematically a complete discharge device incorporating the cathode structure of Fig. 6.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 1, I have shown a sealed glass envelope comprising an upper bulbous section I forming a condensation chamber and a lower portion 2 of somewhat reduced diameter which serves as a reservoir for a quantity 3 of liquid cathode material, such as mercury. Associated with the cathode pool 3, and in thisparticular case, in direct contact therewith, I provide a spot-stabilizing device or anchor 5 projecting above the surface of the mercury. This anchor comprises a porous body or matrix capable of acting as a wick and may suitably be shaped as shown in Fig. 2. As will be more fully explained in the following, the uppersurface 1 of the anchoring body is adapted to co-operate with the main anodes 8 and 9 in conducting an arc discharge through the envelope.

The internal structure of one form of porous anchoring body which I have found particularly advantageous is well illustrated in Fig. 3 which represents a fragmentary section magnified approximately 250 diameters. In use the solid. portions III, which are preferably as small as material which will pass through a 200 mesh sieve, comprise a scaffolding or matrix for a column of mercury which is substantially ooextensive with the body of the wick. Inasmuch as free inter-communication of the mercury in all directions is permitted by the honeycomb formation of the wick body, a sufficient capillary effect 'is realized to raise the mercury (if mercury is the selected cathode material) several centimeters above the pool 3. Accordingly, if the upper surface of the wick is within that distance of the mercury, it will serve as an anchoring point for the discharge arc. The position of the cathode spot being thus made substantially independent of variations in the level of the mercury, the envelope asa Whole may be tilted or, under certain conditions, inverted without causing instability. of the arc discharge. Furthermore, sincethe mercury flow through the Wick is not confined to definitely spaced channels, the active surface of the wick body or anchor receives a uniformly distributed supply of mercury which is retained or immobilized thereon as an approximately continuous film.

While I consider a porous honeycomb anchoring body having wick-like properties to be broadly novel and not necessarily limited to particular tungsten, or molybdenum presents numerous advantages over wicks composed of such metals as have heretofore been proposed for use in spotanchoring devices.

It is true of many materials which have heretofore been suggested for this use that while they may be initially capable of being wet by mercury, this capacity tends to diminish appreciably after more or less prolonged exposure to an arc discharge. Furthermore, certain materials which are otherwise suitable are found to disintegrate and to contaminate the mercury surface and the interior of the discharge device after a short period of use. On the other hand, the materials which I have mentioned above (porous carburized tantalum, molybdenum or tungsten) are substantially free of these difficulties.

Among the specific materials which I have named, I consider carburized molybdenum to be a preferred embodiment. I have repeatedly used wicks embodying this material in half-wave rectifying devices without observing any substantial loss of wetness or mechanical deterioration after many hundred hours operation. Furthermore, I have found that in discharge devices utilizing such wicks, an arc may be maintained with a current as low as three-tenths of an ampere, thus making possible the use of pool tubes in circuits heretofore regarded as of too low power for their successful employment.

One procedure which I have found suitable for the production of satisfactory carburized wicks comprises the fol1owing:A quantity of powdered molybdenum of a fineness sufiicient to permit it to pass through a 200 mesh screen is pressed at about three and one-half tons per square inch and the compressed body is partially sintered in a vacuum or inert atmosphere at a temperature of at least 1400 C. and, preferably, at 1500 C. for about two hours. The sintered mass, which has a structure substantially corresponding to that shown in Fig. 3, is then carburized at a temperature of at least 1250 C. and, preferably, at about 1500 C. for about one hour, carburization being acomplished by placing the wick material in a graphite tube and then firing in a hydrogen atmosphere at the temperature indicated. While I do not at present consider the extent of carburization to be a critical factor in the production of successful wicks, particular samples which I have tested show a gain in weight of from 5 to 6 per cent after submission to the carburization step above described."

Measurements which I have made on completed wicks show a porosity of from about 40 to about 69 per cent, this being the percentage of void space occurringin a given body of the material. Prior to use, the porous spaces are saturated with mercury, for example, by plunging the wick into a mercury pool while hot, this immersion being accomplished in vacuum or in an inert atmosphere. Such a procedure serves to wet the metal surfaces throughout the body of the wick with mercury, thus impregnating the wick and preparing it for installation in a discharge envelope.

It should be pointed out in this connection, however, that a mercury-impregnated wick-like article having the properties described above is capable of uses other than as a spot-anchoring means. For example, such an article may be used in cleaning or filtering mercury, the power or capacity of the interior surfaces of the wick to be wet by mercury facilitating the ready flow of mercury through the structure.

The mode of use of this novel type of spotanchoring device may best be understood by again referring to the disclosure of Fig. 1. Here I have shown in cooperative relation with the wick'5 a starting electrode l5 which is resiliently supported by a spring l6 so as to permit it to be moved up and. down with respect to the surface of the wick. Downward motion of the electrode is accomplished by an iron armature I1 when acted upon by an electromagnet I 8 arranged outside the envelope.

In connection with the particular circuit illustrated the discharge may be initiated by closing the switch 20, thus establishing a connection from a source of alternating supply 2| to the transformer primary 22. This connection will cause a pulse of current to be transmitted from the transformer secondary 23 through a resistor 25, a normally closed contactor 26, a magnet coil 2'1 and thence through the conductor 28 back to the transformer winding. The resultant energization of the magnet [8 draws down the armature I! and brings the electrode l5 into contact with the upper surface of the anchor body, thus effectively short circuiting the coil 21 and causing the electrode l5 to be again released. The ionization produced by the ensuing arc causes a discharge to occur between the surface of the anchoring body and that one of the two holding anodes 30 and 3| which at the moment is at a sufficient positive potential with respect to the pool 3. These anodes are kept at a diiference of potential with respect to the cathode by voltage derived from the respective halves of the transformer secondary 23 and are enabled to maintain ionization from one cycle to the next by means of in-ductances 33 and 34 includedin their respective circuits. Accordingly, a holding are which strikes alternately on the two holding anodes is continuously maintained, and the device is at all instants in readiness to carry current between the cathode and the main anodes 8 and 9. These latter electrodes may be energized by connection to suitable circuits which are not illustrated but which include the lead-in conductors 40 and 4|.

ation of either of the holding arcs causes the contactor to open, thus de-energizing the magnet coil 21 and permitting the electrode l5 to be retained in its retracted position.

In Fig. 4, I have shown an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a sealed envelope 43 enclosing main anodes 44 and 45 and auxiliary anodes-46 and 4'! adapted to be energized as indicated in connection with Fig. 1. In this case, the cathode comprisesv a mercury pool 49 and a spot anchor 5| of the material above described held in permanent contact with the mercury, the form of the spot anchor 5| being shown in greater detail in Fig. 5. A suitable potential difference is impressed between the mercury in the offset arm 54 and that in the pool 49 through the leads 51 and 58. In this case, the

discharge isinitiated by tilting the envelope 43 to cause a portion of themercury contained in the ofiset arm 54 tocontact the-main mercury body 49. Upon thereafter restoring the envelope to its upright position; theinterruption of the mercury at the point indicated at 55 will cause a holding arc to be established. Thereafter, a holding arc is continuously maintained and the tube is in readiness to pass current from its main anodes as has already been described in connection with Fig. 1. Y Y

In Figs. 6 to I have shown a modified appli cation of the inventionin connection with a discharge device of the class conventionally referred to as-tank rectifiers. A particular feature of this modification comprises incorporation of means for positively supplying mercury to 'the active surface of the cathode spot-fixing body. Referring especially to Fig. 6, I have shown the lower portion of a tank 6|, for example of metal, enclosing a vapor electric discharge device. Supported from the bottom of the tank and separated therefrom by suitable insulating means such as the insulating ring 62 shown in the drawing, I provide a metal cup 63 adapted to serve as a reservoir for a quantity of mercury 65 contained therein. Above the mercury reservoir and supported in a manner hereinafter to be more fully explained, I provide a cathode-spot-fixing means comprising a rigid body 61 suitably of the form shown. This body is of a permeable construction and is preferably constituted of a porous wicklike material, such as is described in the foregoing.

In accordance with my invention, I further provide means for circulating mercury from the supply contained in the reservoir 63 into contact with the wick body 61. This means is shown in the present instance as comprising a conduit I!) having a continuous portion thereof leading to an electromagnetic pumping device. The pumping device illustrated consists in part of a central duct 1|, of non-magnetic material, surrounded by a hollow annular shell. 12 with which it is in communication, and from which it is separated by a magnetic iron core 13 suitably consisting of parallel iron wires. Surrounding the annular shell 12 is positioned a second magnetic core provided with a plurality of spaced coils l1, l8, and 19, respectively. These coils are adapted to be supplied with power from the various phases of a polyphase alternating current source (not shown) to which connection is made by means of the conductors 89 connected in the proper sequence with respect to phase.

With the connections illustrated the currents in the various coils will be such as to produce a constantly fluctuating magnetic field in the iron core 13 and through the mercury. The direction of this field is such as to induce transverse currents in the mercury and by reaction of these currents with the magnetic fiux to produce an electro-dynamic force tending to circulate the mercury in the direction indicated by the arrows. Suflicient excitation should be employed to force the mercury through the duct 82 into contact with the wick-like body 61. The pressure thus developed taken in connection with the capillary effect of the Wick structure causes the mercury to penetrate to the upper exposed surface of the wick whence it may return to reservoir 63.

In this way, I am able to obtain what is in effect a rigid cathode having the electron emissive properties of a mercury pool. It will be apparent that considerable variations .in the position of the tank I may be permitted without having an appreciable effect on the operation of the cathode. Furthermore, the precise location 'of the spotfixing body 61 is not critical. It might, for example, be mounted on the lateral wallof the tank rather than in thebase of the tank'a'sshown.

1 It will be understood that in initiating a discharge from my improved cathode structure, some means such as the starting electrode 85 (shown partly broken away) may be employed. This electrode may be lowered by suitable means (not shown) until its tip 86 comes in contact with'the.

upper surface of the body 61. Upon thereafter retracting the electrode a transient arc may be established of sufiicient duration to ionize the mercury and to permit a main discharge to take I place. To protect the gasketed joint between the ring 62 and the tank 6! from the destructive effects of the arc, I may provide an annulancylinder Bl of a material such as quartz which is capable of resisting the effects of the are. The cathode structure itself may be cooled by means of a water jacket 89 having inlet and outlet ducts 90, 9!, respectively, for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough.

In Figs. 8 and 9, I have illustrated an alternative modification of the spot-fixing body. In this case a portion of the wick 61 is cut away as indicated at 95 to permit more or less free flow of the mercury forced up through the duct 82. In this case I rely on the capillary effect of the porous body to assure a continuous supply of mercury at the upper and active surface thereof. Otherwise, the mode of operation is similar to that already described.

In Fig. 10, I have shown a complete discharge device in which the invention may be suitably incorporated. In this figure parts corresponding to those already described are identically numbered. It will be seen that in addition to the cathode structure already set forth, the tank comprises a lateral wall 91 and a superimposed condensing chamber 98. Supported within the tank and above the cathode are provided a main anode 99 and a holding anode I00, respectively.

In the foregoing, I have referred to mercury as an exemplary cathode material. It should be understood, however, that other liquid metals, for example, gallium, or sodium or cadmium, when in the liquid phase, may alternatively be employed.

Furthermore, while I have shown particular structural embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention, and I aim by the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An electrical device comprising an anode, a mercury pool spaced therefrom, and a cathodespot-fixing element in contact with said mercury, said element comprising a rigid porous body constituted of carburized partially sintered particles of a metal of the group consisting of tantalum, tungsten, and molybdenum and having a discharge-receiving surface appreciably above the normal level of the mercury pool.

2. An electrical discharge device comprising an anode, a cathode including a pool of liquid mercury and a wick-like body of honey-comb structure in contact with the pool and having a discharge receiving surface appreciably above the normal level of the pool, said body comprising carburized cohering particles of molybdenum acting by capillarity to maintain a thin film of mercury on said discharge-receiving surface during the operation of the device.

, 3. In an electrical discharge device, a reservoir of liquid cathode material, a solid body having a discharge-receiving surface adapted to retain a thin film of cathode material thereon during the use of the device, said body being constituted of a porous wick-like substance capable of being wet by the cathode material so as to facilitate capillary conduction of cathode material through the body, and means for pumping cathode material from said reservoir into contact with a surface of said body other than said dischargereceiving surface, thereby to effect a continual supply of liquid cathode material to said discharge-receiving surface through the pores of the body.

4. An electrical discharge device comprising an anode, a mercury reservoir a solid body having an exposed surface which functions in cooperation with the anode to support a discharge through the device, said body being constituted of a porous wick-like substance capable of being wet by mercury so as to facilitate capillary conduction of mercury through the body, and means for pumping liquid mercury from the reservoir through the pores of the body to the said exposed surface thereof.

5. In an electrical discharge device, a mercury reservoir, a solid body having a discharge-receiving surface adapted to retain a thin film of liquid mercury thereon, said body being constituted of a honeycomb structure of cohering particles of carburized molybdenum, and means for pumping liquid mercury from said reservoir through the pores of the body to said discharge-receiving surface.

LEWI TONKS. 

